Superficial investing cervical fascia
Fascia investiens superficialis colli
- Latin synonym: Lamina superficialis fasciae cervicalis; Fascia investiens colli
- Synonym: Investing layer of cervical fascia; Superficial layer of deep cervical fascia
- Related terms: Investing layer; Superficial layer; Cervical fascia (Investing layer; Superficial layer); Cervical fascia : Investing layer; Superficial layer; Cervical fascia: Investing layer; Superficial layer; Investing layer; Superficial layer (Cervical fascia)
Definition
The superficial investing cervical fascia refers to the superficial fascia of the neck. It is a thin layer of connective tissue that lies immediately beneath the skin (subcutaneous tissue) and superficial to the deep investing cervical fascia.
The superficial fascia contains variable amounts of fat, the platysma muscle, and the superficial veins of the neck, including the external and anterior jugular veins, as well as cutaneous nerves derived from the cervical plexus (such as the transverse cervical and supraclavicular nerves).
The superficial investing cervical fascia is continuous superiorly with the superficial fascia of the face and inferiorly with that of the thorax and shoulder region.
Functionally, it allows free movement of the skin, provides a protective layer for superficial neurovascular structures, and contributes to the mobility and contour of the neck.
References
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier. Chapter 29: Neck, pp. 445-447.
